My tailagte really slams shut if you don't hold on to the handle and ease it down. Is this just a volvo quirk or an I buying new tailgate shocks? The shocks do their job holding up the gate but it doesn't exactly snap right up either. Just another one of those thigs that I can't be sure about because I wasn't around to see my wagon in its prime. Thanks in advance! James

The shocks in my '91 hold the gate up when open, but the door has slammed hard if you lowered it over half way and let go of it for as long as I can remember (I bought the car new). So far, no one has broken the window, but sometimes it sounds like they nearly did.

I would not replace them if they still hold the door up.

It seem to me that the tailgate struts would be good if the tailgate wants to slam when closed.

I've never really examined the hatch struts during the hatch operation but I think this is what is going on.......

The struts are charged somehow and are trying to extend themselves out like when the hatch is raised. If the charge is good, the hatch will stay up.
As the hatch is lowered, the struts are compressed until the hatch is almost closed and then the struts will start to extend out again. As they extend out, they are forcing the hatch closed.

I wouldn't replace the struts unless the hatch won't stay up.

Good Luck.

Yes, you must have hit the nail on the head.

My struts used to be so weak that they only worked in the summer, while in the winter the tailgate would drop on my head. I used to have to slam it down to close.

Having replaced them with new ones, I too have the self-closing effect now.

George

Are there any tailgate shocks from other vehicles that will fit the 245? Just wondering since I seldom see 245s at the PickNPull.
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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans

Mine's done that from new - as the tailgate comes to the horizontal it's balanced so it stays where you leave it - ie the struts don't lift it themselves.

This is good with say ladders on the roof, as the tailgate will stay where it is and not hit anything sticking out - also maybe so short people can still use it!

I had a woman slam the tailgate on my 82 245 so hard she popped out the back window...


Change the socks, they are cheaper than the entire latch mech or a new rear glass.

What is it with people? They treat the doors the same way...slam 'em so hard it makes your ears pop!
It must be what they're used to. Slamming a door on a bank vault isn't like slamming the door on a grass hut.
"Please don't slam the door" is too vague a request, and only works once in a while. Threats are better, gunpoint would be ideal.

Al A., '84 245GLT, advanced entropy labrat

- What is it with people? They treat the doors the same way...slam 'em so hard it makes your ears pop!

Many non-Volvos don't have a big spring on the door that assists in closing it, so normally they would have had to counter the friction by slamming it shut. Adding to how much heavier the doors are, their instinct is to use even more force to close it.

-- Kane

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While I would never deliberately mislead anyone, take into consideration that any information and advice provided was at no cost to you.

If they don't hold up the tail gate any more you need new shocks. When mine got old they worked ok when it was warm but as soon as it cooled off they would not hold it up. They are easy to replace and pretty cheap so go for it. Dan

This is normal.

Rule of thumb, don't ever let ANYONE not accustom to 240s shut your tailgate. EVER!

I don't know how many times I've had to run and keep someone from slamming my tailgate.
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If you listen to the radio in Portland, OR, you may know me as 'Portland's Favorite Soul Brother!'

Yes, my experience also - The 240 tailgates do slam themselves shut, and in so doing can break the glass or damage the locking mechanism inside the tailgate.

I recall opening one from the inside (not comfortable for an adult) and then reattaching some part of the latch mechanism that had come loose from where it belonged. All because a loved family member let go of the tailgate and let it slam.

Buy new shocks for the tailgate. Used ones - if still working OK - will not least anywhere near as long as new, of course. Be sure to have something really solid hold up the tailgate while you replace struts, and set it up in such a way that you can't knock it out - or it will knock you out.